Stafford, Prater keep Detroit Lions in hunt with win at Bucs
By Matt Bosko
The Detroit Lions kept their slim playoff hopes alive with Matt Prater‘s game winning 48-yard field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Once again, it was ugly.
Once again, the Detroit Lions nearly lost to an inferior opponent.
Once again, Matthew Stafford and Matt Prater delivered when it mattered most.
The Lions curbed a two-game losing streak in typical nail-biting fashion on Sunday, as they defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by a 24-21 margin.
With a healthy Ameer Abdullah inactive, the Lions finally stopped pretending to be a team capable of running the football. Jim Bob Cooter dialed up only 18 running plays and let Stafford take over.
The franchise quarterback looked especially sharp in this one, finishing 36-of-44 passing for 381 yards and a touchdown. He spread the ball around to eight different receivers, including Eric Ebron, who hauled in a career high 10 passes for 94 yards.
Concerns about Stafford’s injured right hand were quickly dispelled as he opened the game and connected on his first ten passes.
If any concerns arose with Stafford on Sunday, it was his decision-making. The Lions seemed in control of the game on both sides of the ball, but spoiled early opportunities to put the contest out of reach.
Inside the last four minutes of the first half and the Lions leading 14-7, Stafford threw an interception in Buccaneers’ territory on consecutive drives. The second interception was an especially reckless, unnecessary throw in the (crowded) area of Golden Tate.
The Lions’ defense played much better than of late, intercepting Jameis Winston twice and recovering three forced fumbles.
Even though they forced five turnovers, the unit surrendered two fourth quarter touchdowns that allowed the Buccaneers to tie the game at 21-21.
The scenario set up Stafford’s fourth game-winning drive of the season and the 32nd of his career. With just over two minutes left, the Lions engineered a nine-play drive that spanned 49 yards.
The rest was up to Prater, who put the demons of last week’s performance behind him, and drilled the game winner with 20 seconds remaining.
What It Means
The Lions have essentially no control of their playoff destiny at this point, but Sunday’s performance was a critical step in the right direction.
With the Carolina Panthers (9-4), Atlanta Falcons (8-4), Seattle Seahawks (8-4), Dallas Cowboys (7-6), and Green Bay Packers (7-6) all winners, the Lions are on the fringe of a messy NFC Wild Card picture.
The Lions need to win their remaining games and hope that those other teams collapse down the stretch.
That stretch begins with at home against the Bears next Saturday, followed by a road contest against the Bengals the following week. If the Lions are able to take advantage of those weak opponents, they may find themselves in position for a win-and-in scenario in Week 17.
Next: Lions game balls for win over Bucs
Against the Green Bay Packers.
Who are slated to get back Aaron Rodgers (ever heard of him?) next week.
This is fine.